Located in the beautiful Somerset countryside, the building’s exterior is clad in Natura fibre cement panels in dark grey Anthracite colour. Natura has a subtle tinted, semi-translucent applied coating, which allows the texture of the fibre cement to show through. This, combined with an extensive choice of colours, provides designers with the ability to create striking and aesthetically pleasing buildings.
The Anthracite panels used on Clevedon Community School were specified by internationally renowned architectural practice Aedas, which took its inspiration for the building’s design and choice of cladding colour from the granite rock found on the tors in the South West of England. This link with the surrounding region helped North Somerset Council deliver a modern and challenging building fitting of a dedicated science learning centre.
Clevedon Community School was constructed by Kier Western, with Natura panels supplied by FGF Limited and fitted by sub-contractor Dennis Faulks. Fixed to the concrete framed building using structural adhesive, Natura’s light-weight and easy-to-handle properties enabled speedy completion of the cladding elements.
The Science building is a learning centre for children aged between 11- 18 and has been awarded a BREEAM ‘very good’ rating, which was achieved partly due to the incorporation of environmental features, including solar panels and a wind turbine. The Natura panels are manufactured under quality management systems which meet the requirements of ISO 9001 and environmental systems which comply with ISO 14001.
Matt Colclough, Architect at Aedas, commented: “The reason why we specified Natura cladding panels was because they met the client’s requirements for a material that was cost-effective and required minimal maintenance. The science building looks stunning and its inspiration from nature has created a dramatic link with the region.”
Natura panels are increasingly being specified as a façade solution for schools, hospitals and leisure centres. With a life expectancy of at least fifty years and minimal maintenance required, they offer excellent value for money.
Charlotte Hughes, Campaign Manager - Cladding & Profiled Sheeting at Marley Eternit, said: “Natura is one of our most popular cladding products as it combines aesthetics with practicality and ease of installation. It is a proven cladding material that can successfully meet a variety of design requirements.”